Russian Diamonds

Russian diamonds come from the Yakutia region of northeast Siberia and the Arkhangelsk region along the White Sea coast. Russian diamond mines provide a critical source of jobs to the people of these mining communities and serve as part of the foundation of the local economy.

Labor

Russia’s diamond mines provide well-paying jobs to thousands of people. At the Mirny Sakha mine, the average wage of a Russian diamond miner is more than twice the average Russian salary. Workers receive housing benefits, health care, and pensions. The mine operator reports on international safety and responsible mining practices, and has been audited by the Responsible Jewellery Council.

Community & Environment

The diamond industry is the economic lifeblood of these remote regions of Russia. Although diamond mines have altered the physical landscape in some places and Russia’s geopolitical role is controversial, the overall effect of diamond mining has had many benefits for local communities. In Mirny, a small city of over 30,000 people, the diamond industry has employed up to 70 percent of the working age population at one time. The diamond industry also helps to fund public health projects, cultural centers, and educational and athletic facilities. About half of the Yakutia region’s budget is funded from taxes from diamond revenues. In 2016, the Russian diamond mine operator initiated an energy efficiency program and began transitioning from gasoline to natural gas for its production and transport machines.

Choosing Russian Diamonds

At Brilliant Earth, we are committed to providing our customers with more transparency and greater confidence in the integrity of the origin of their diamonds.

We do not yet believe that Russian diamonds can match Canadian and Botswana Sort diamonds on all measures of social and environmental responsibility. Like much of the Russian business sector, Russia’s diamond industry has not fully adopted Western standards for transparency and governance. The diamond industry is also partly owned by the Russian government, which complicates efforts to create and enforce strict labor and environmental laws.

However, Russia’s diamond industry is striving to enhance its international reputation and Brilliant Earth supports their participation in industry initiatives to promote social and environmental responsibility. Although there is still work to be done, Russian diamonds are often an attractive option to customers seeking diamond sizes and shapes not available from Brilliant Earth’s other countries of origin.

Please use the form below or call us at 1.800.691.0952 to schedule your personalized one hour visit with a jewelry specialist. We recommend you make your appointment at least three business days in advance and specify the items that you would like to see during your visit. To schedule an appointment less than 24 hours in advance, call us at 1.800.691.0952. Please note that the full Brilliant Earth collection may not be available for view at each location.

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